Team 11, comprised of Todd Palin and Tyler Huntington, had to scratch out of the 2014 Iron Dog race in Alaska Monday night. The Palin-Huntington duo posted the best time of 39 teams from Big Lake to Skwentna. But then some bad news. Huntington’s sled began running on one cylinder after leaving Skwentna. Team 11 turned around and tried to diagnose it. At first, they thought it was an exhaust sensor, so they changed it in Skwentna. No luck.

The team returned to Pain’s shop in Wasilla. There, they were able to determine it was a problem they could not repair in time and get back on the trail without making the trail volunteers stay out in the elements an extra day. So they decided they will get things fixed with no time frame. The idea is to use the sleds for practice runs in 2015.

"I really feel bad about the mechanical issue," Craig Compeau, sponsor of Team 11 told Breitbart Sports. "It’s one of those things in life you file under ‘stuff happens.’" Compeau is a Fairbanks Ski-Doo dealer who came up with the idea of adding pink to some of the sleds this year in an effort to help fight breast cancer. Palin, Huntington and some of the other Ski-Doo racers are raising money through Breast Cancer Focus.

The Iron Dog race is grueling. It takes a lot out of the participants and their snowmachines. Todd Palin told Breitbart Sports before the race that you have to expect the unexpected. Many a run has been stymied even when the drivers gave it their all. Sometimes the weather is the culprit. In this case, it was mechanical. Palin and Huntington have six championships between them. That’s proof it can even happen to the best.

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postaldog

Bummer

Laddie_Blah_Blah

What a shame for Todd. But, hey, he’s still got Sarah and the kids!

cudaforever

That’s right Laddie.. All In perspective !!

heshtesh

I feel for them, I been chasing my sled all winter and I’m meticulus as they come preparing my sled for the season.

jester2939

I’m glad it was a mechanical issue and not due to an accident. But so sad……I know they want to be out there on that trail.

sarahhasmyvote

Sorry for your turn in luck. I am betting you will somehow find the lemonade from this experience.

c4pfan

Thanks for the update. That plain sucks.

http://lenbilen.com/ Lennart Bilén

Look at the bright side. Todd is healthy, able and ready to be with his wife’s side as she campaigns for house and senate majority in 2014 with candidates that she supports. This is no small task.
Campaign, Sarah, Campaign!!

DocBarry1

Boo but they are safe

Cheetah444

Todd & Tyler posted this note to Sarah’s FB page:

Hi! For anyone interested, this is Todd and Tyler from Iron Dog Team #11 writing from Sarah’s Facebook page.

Disappointed on the trail today, but keeping everything in perspective. Due to a rare mechanical issue that was impossible to fix on the trail, we’ll be cheering on the other teams the rest of the race. I’ve been enjoying this endurance race for decades now, and you never can tell how it’s going to turn out for any team. There’s always inexplicable circumstances arising and you never know what mother nature will challenge you with out there. But it’s always rewarding and worth the effort.

This race, like everything else in life, is a gamble. Our advice is to find your passion, don’t procrastinate, and just do it! This isn’t a dress rehearsal. It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, what matters is how many times you get back up. As Sarah likes to say, live life vibrantly! Having the freedom to tackle challenges like this is what makes America amazing.

We’re incredibly grateful for all the supporters that make the world’s ultimate snowmachine race happen every year. It wouldn’t be possible without our rural communities that connect the trail, celebrate this event, and cheer on every participant. You keep us going, bush Alaska! You’re our foundation! Thank you so much for all you guys do.

Keep the other racers in your prayers.

Also, thanks so much for pledging in the fund raiser to fight breast cancer with the awesome “Bring Home the Pink” campaign. You can still support the Ski-Doo teams involved in this great cause by pledging here: http://www.gofundme.com/67f7gs